Local Heroes with Mirang Manek

Emilia Schmidt opens up about the life behind the athlete.

From moving from Australia to the U.S. at a young age, to building everything from scratch, Emilia talks about what it really takes to chase a dream in professional sport. Training, competing, making money, navigating the politics of the tour, and living far away from family in a completely different time zone - this is the side of the journey most people never see.

But beyond pickleball, this conversation is about growing up faster than expected. It is about how sport changes the way you think, the way you handle pressure, and the way you see life.

Emilia’s story is one of sacrifice, independence, resilience, and perspective - a reminder that sometimes chasing a dream does not just make you a better athlete, it makes you a different person.

On this episode of Local Heroes with Mirang Manek, Megan Fudge and Ryler DeHeart open up about life beyond the pickleball court.

As two ambassadors of one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, they travel across countries helping grow the game, building communities, and showing what pickleball can become.

But their journey is also deeply personal. From parenting out of a suitcase to raising their kids on the road, they speak about giving them experiences that go far beyond traditional classrooms - cultures, people, places, pressure, resilience, and life lessons that only travel and sport can teach.

This conversation goes deeper than competition. It is about ambition, family, sacrifice, perspective, and how athletes are wired to think differently — to adapt, compete, grow, and find meaning in the beautiful chaos of chasing something bigger than themselves.

What does it take to invent an entire universe from scratch? From the spark of inspiration to the hidden stories inside the book, Arpita opens up about her creative process, world-building hacks, and the challenges no one tells you about writing fantasy.

In this episode, we dive deep into Arpita’s journey: how she dreamed up Seredene, the challenges of building an entire world from scratch, and the personal inspirations that shaped her storytelling.

Whether you’re a fantasy lover, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the mind behind Seredene, this conversation is packed with insights, creativity, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a universe to life through words.

Have you ever wondered what truly lies on the other side of fear? Is it freedom, strength, or perhaps a deeper understanding of life itself? In this episode, I sit down with one of the top Red Bull downhill riders in the world, Pedro Burns. Pedro shares his journey through the ups and downs of life—both on and off the bike—and how those challenges have shaped him into the fearless athlete he is today. From confronting fear at breakneck speeds to finding strength in life’s toughest moments, Pedro's story is one of resilience, passion, and courage

In today’s special episode, we sit down with one of India’s most celebrated comedians, Sahil Shah aka Sahil Bulla, a true master of stand-up who fills theaters with laughter, yet behind the curtains, battles the complexities of fame and the digital world. From the highs of his career to the personal lows, and navigating the tumultuous waves of mental health, he shares an unfiltered glimpse into the life that lights up the stage. Join us as we explore the journey, the joy, and the jolts of a comedian who makes us laugh, reminding us that behind every joke, there's a story waiting to be told.

Meet the Local Hero who changed the course of Local Heroes!

If you want to start a podcast, you've reached the right episode. Mae needs no introduction. A pioneer in the audio space, she is the personal inspiration of many, including me. Her creativity is unmatched & her innovation in the podcast space has paved the way for so many young creator to live the breathe their dreams!

Mae opens up about ideating and starting a podcast, her dilemmas with entrepreneurship, her failures and success. This is an extremely important episode as this is the Local Hero responsible for the Podcast you all love and share!

If you haven't already listened to Maed in India, give it a listen asap!

Embrace the Power of Progress: A journey from seeking perfection to celebrating growth. Join [Your Name] as they share powerful insights and practical steps to shift your mindset and appreciate the beauty of progress in your own life. Let go of perfectionism, cultivate self-compassion, set meaningful goals, build a supportive community, and practice gratitude.

How often are we told to 'Be Consistent' or 'Practice makes perfect'?

From hypotheticals to real life - discover the transformative power of consistency. Explore why consistency is crucial for success and learn practical strategies to incorporate it into your life. From building momentum and trust to boosting self-confidence, consistency holds the key to achieving your goals. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of consistency and empower you to create lasting change. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to success through unwavering consistency.

From conquering peaks to riding Mountains, Vivek opens up about what keeps him going and what really goes behind living a life where fitness isn't a chore or task. It's a lifestyle. Taking a peak into his professional life, I learnt a lot about partnerships, relationships as well as friendship. When it comes to the work life balance, this Local Hero has a take on things that will resonate with almost everyone! What is it like to balance being on top of the corporate ladder, stay fit and do it all with a smile?

Listen to Vivek's take on things and we will probably see you at the next Ironman! ;)